Right-side seats capture the most dramatic scenery: the Cordillera Real peaks during takeoff are more visually striking than the landing approach. The northbound flight path keeps the eastern cordillera on the right for much of the journey, offering sustained mountain views.
Flown LPB to UIO? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
La Paz to Quito is 1,327 miles (2,136 km), a flight of about 2 hours 30 minutes.
The flight passes over the high Altiplano plateau (13,000-14,000 ft elevation) for the first 90 minutes, then descends gradually into the Ecuadorian highlands. Notable features include the Cordillera Blanca foothills (Peru-Ecuador border region), the transition from high-altitude grassland to cloud forest vegetation, and the gradual descent into the Interandean Valley. The Marañón River canyon system may be visible to the east during the central portion of the flight, though often obscured by cloud cover. The landscape transitions from arid, treeless Altiplano to increasingly green, forested Andean slopes as the aircraft moves north toward the equator.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from LPB
RIGHTRight-side seats offer immediate views of the Cordillera Real mountain range as the aircraft climbs northward from El Alto. The dramatic snow-capped peaks and deep valleys are visible within the first 15-20 minutes of flight.
Landing at UIO
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during the descent approach into Quito. The aircraft descends through the Interandean Valley with views of the Pichincha volcanic complex and the surrounding cordillera on the left side as the plane approaches from the south.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from El Alto International (LPB) to Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from La Paz to Quito. Right-side seats capture the most dramatic scenery: the Cordillera Real peaks during takeoff are more visually striking than the landing approach. The northbound flight path keeps the eastern cordillera on the right for much of the journey, offering sustained mountain views.
What can I see during takeoff from El Alto International in La Paz?
During takeoff from El Alto International (LPB), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer immediate views of the Cordillera Real mountain range as the aircraft climbs northward from El Alto. The dramatic snow-capped peaks and deep valleys are visible within the first 15-20 minutes of flight. Notable sights include: Cordillera Real (snow-capped peaks to the east), Lake Titicaca (visible to the northwest at altitude), La Paz city sprawl (directly below during initial climb), Illimani peak (16,940 ft, visible to the southeast).
What can I see when landing at Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito?
When landing at Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views during the descent approach into Quito. The aircraft descends through the Interandean Valley with views of the Pichincha volcanic complex and the surrounding cordillera on the left side as the plane approaches from the south. Notable sights include: Pichincha volcano (active volcano with two peaks flanking Quito), Interandean Valley (narrow north-south valley containing Quito), Eastern Cordillera (parallel mountain range to the east), Quito city (spread across the valley floor).
How long is the flight from La Paz to Quito?
The flight from El Alto International (LPB) to Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) takes about 2 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,327 miles (2,136 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the La Paz to Quito flight path pass over?
The flight passes over the high Altiplano plateau (13,000-14,000 ft elevation) for the first 90 minutes, then descends gradually into the Ecuadorian highlands. Notable features include the Cordillera Blanca foothills (Peru-Ecuador border region), the transition from high-altitude grassland to cloud forest vegetation, and the gradual descent into the Interandean Valley. The Marañón River canyon system may be visible to the east during the central portion of the flight, though often obscured by cloud cover. The landscape transitions from arid, treeless Altiplano to increasingly green, forested Andean slopes as the aircraft moves north toward the equator.